For many people, the idea of owning original art feels intimidating. They wonder: Where do I begin? What if I choose the wrong piece? Is collecting art only for people with deep pockets? In reality, starting an art collection in Michigan, or anywhere, doesn’t require a degree in art history or a limitless budget. What it does require is curiosity, guidance, and the willingness to live with objects that hold meaning.

At LaFontsee Galleries, we’ve helped first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike shape collections that grow with them. Here is what we’ve learned after decades in the field.

Start by Spending Time With Art

The most important step in starting an art collection is exposure. Walk through galleries and museums regularly, even if you’re not ready to buy. Look closely at the materials, textures, and scale. Do you respond more to paintings, photographs, or sculpture? Are you drawn to abstraction or figurative work? These patterns tell you about your own sensibility.

In Michigan, you don’t have to travel far to begin this practice. Between Detroit’s contemporary art scene, Grand Rapids’ strong gallery presence, and the vibrant communities in Saugatuck and Douglas, opportunities to see art firsthand are everywhere.

Understand Pricing and Value

Many new collectors assume art is financially out of reach. But original work exists at a wide range of price points. Works on paper, prints, or pieces by emerging artists can be a more accessible entry point than large-scale paintings.

The key is understanding value beyond price: the story of the artist, the uniqueness of the work, and its place in a broader cultural conversation. A good gallery should walk you through this context and help you understand not just what you’re buying, but why it matters.

Buy What You Love, Not Just What You Think Will Appreciate

One of the most common mistakes new collectors make is treating art purely as an investment strategy. While art can and does appreciate, it is not a guaranteed financial product. The best advice we give is this: buy what you love. You are going to live with these works every day. A collection built around genuine connection will always feel stronger than one built around speculation.

Consider Scale, Placement, and Framing

Art doesn’t live in isolation. When you start or expand your art collection, think about where pieces will hang or be displayed. A large canvas can define a room, while smaller works can be grouped to create intimacy.

Framing is also critical. High-quality custom framing protects a work from light and environmental damage while enhancing its presentation. At LaFontsee, our in-house framing team has helped preserve private and institutional collections for decades. Think of framing not as an accessory, but as part of the collecting process itself.

Build Relationships With Artists and Galleries

Art collecting is a long-term relationship business. Developing trust with a gallery ensures you’ll be introduced to new artists, offered first access to exhibitions, and supported with services like installation, appraisal, and collection management. Many of our collectors in Michigan started with one piece decades ago and now steward significant private or corporate collections because of this sustained partnership.

Grow With Intention

As you expand your collection, think about narrative and diversity. A strong collection isn’t just a cluster of beautiful objects: it tells a story. That story might be geographic (supporting Michigan artists), thematic (works that explore nature or abstraction), or personal (pieces that reflect different moments in your life). A curator can help you shape that narrative over time so that your collection has coherence and depth.

Starting an art collection is not about buying as quickly as possible; it’s about slowing down and cultivating a vision. 

If you’re curious where to begin, or ready to expand, LaFontsee Galleries offers curatorial expertise, collection management, and framing that ensure your investment in art is both meaningful and lasting. Visit us in Grand Rapids or Douglas, or reach out directly to begin the conversation.